The Globe & Mail had a large article in the "T.O." section on Saturday (you can click the side photo for a larger view of the 1st of 2 pages it was on) about the efforts of Dave Meslin in putting together the upcoming Toronto Cyclists Union for next spring:
Mr. Meslin is clear and persuasive when he outlines the union idea over hot chocolate and a yogurt - eaten with a metal fork because it is the only reusable item available - in a coffee shop near his advocacy base three blocks away from City Hall, in the office of the Toronto Environment Alliance. As he sees it, the city needs to make cycling safe and practical. To push that agenda, the city needs a representative group that clearly speaks on behalf of cyclists.
"All the elements are in place. It just needs a kick start," Mr. Meslin says. "...We have tens of thousands of voters who ride bicycles."
The Cyclists' Union will have member dues, annual elections, policies and a representative in each of council's 44 wards. There could be membership incentives and discounts, bike-trailer rentals and even a roving cycling-repair team, à la the Canadian Automobile Association.
Personally, I liked the tone of the article... summed up here:
Mr. Meslin says the time has passed for "activisty" models of cycling advocacy, where gimmicks are used to gain attention. "It's time for the bike community to develop a more mature aesthetic." Or, to put it more simply, it's time for cycling to grow up.
More at the Globe & Mail.
Did you see Dave's response?
What the fuck is with Mez??
I can't fathom why Dave doesn't carry a spoon with him, eating yogourt with a fork isn't efficient.
Todd - yup, I saw Mez's post on Spacing (and I commented on it).
Anonymous - I guess Mez thinks some things are more important that efficiency.
the fork worked pretty well. ~ mez